Buying Without COMPs (When It Works) + Dealer Best Practices + Comp-Savvy Kids | Booth Mates Ep 2

Programming note: This is a mid-week programming interruption so everyone can pre-game for The Expo. We’re sliding these Wednesday/Thursday drops in, and Sports Cards Live resumes on Friday. There will be no episodes next week on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday. Part 2 dives into on-floor tactics, vendor best practices, and the week’s community events. We talk why price tags on the front of the card convert, how payment actually works in Canada (cash is king, e-transfer is common; PayPal/credit accepted by many), and simple fraud prevention (check ID, be mindful of stolen cards/tap limits). We also cover which Expo days deliver what, a quick autograph stage update (one guest shifts off due to scheduling), and how to prep: comfy shoes, anti-fatigue mats, and a big refillable water bottle. Plus: where to find ultra high-end vintage hockey on the floor and our exact spot. Highlights Dealer tips that help buyers buy: price tags on the front, be present, keep conversations easy Payments 101 (Canada): cash, Interac e-Transfer, many vendors with Square/Stripe/Clover; ATMs on site get refilled Fraud prevention: verify ID on larger credit transactions; be cautious with tap limits Days & pace: why Thursday/Friday are prime hunting; how Saturday/Sunday feel different for deals and mobility Autograph stage update: one signer off due to schedule; others still on deck What’s on display: ultra high-end vintage hockey in a major vintage booth; our own showcases priced, binders unpriced but deals are happening Events week at a glance: Wed: pre-show trade night (near Yorkdale) Thu: industry meet-up with giveaways/appies (minutes from the venue) Fri: VIP appreciation inside the building, a stand-up comedy show nearby, and a community rip party Sat: Mint Inc. trade night (proceeds to Mackenzie Health Foundation for mental health) Fun extras: eBay’s on-site gaming zone; big-booth raffles and activations; giveaway for a Matthew Knies game-used signed stick Collector talk: when buying without COMPs actually works; IP autos vs. game-used signatures; why in-person hobby time beats pure screen time Find us: Booth 1707—come say hi, flip through the binders, bring your trade box, and let’s make some deals. Subscribe/follow so you catch this mid-week pair before showtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices